Diagnostic Code 6604: COPD Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.97
- Rating range
- 10% to 100%
- Rating levels
- 4
- Body system
- Respiratory system
The VA rates COPD under diagnostic code 6604 in 38 CFR § 4.97. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 6604 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | FEV-1 of 71- to 80-percent predicted, or FEV-1/FVC of 71 to 80 percent, or DLCO (SB) 66- to 80-percent predicted What raters look forFEV-1 71 to 80 percent predicted; FEV-1/FVC 71 to 80 percent; DLCO (SB) 66 to 80 percent predicted |
| 30% | FEV-1 of 56- to 70-percent predicted, or FEV-1/FVC of 56 to 70 percent, or DLCO (SB) 56- to 65-percent predicted What raters look forFEV-1 56 to 70 percent predicted; FEV-1/FVC 56 to 70 percent; DLCO (SB) 56 to 65 percent predicted |
| 60% | FEV-1 of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or FEV-1/FVC of 40 to 55 percent, or DLCO (SB) of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or maximum oxygen consumption of 15 to 20 ml/kg/min (with cardiorespiratory limit) What raters look forFEV-1 40 to 55 percent predicted; DLCO (SB) 40 to 55 percent predicted; maximum oxygen consumption 15 to 20 ml/kg/min |
| 100% | FEV-1 less than 40 percent of predicted value, or FEV-1/FVC less than 40 percent, or DLCO (SB) less than 40-percent predicted, or maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption (with cardiac or respiratory limitation), or cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or right ventricular hypertrophy, or pulmonary hypertension (shown by Echo or cardiac catheterization), or episode(s) of acute respiratory failure, or requires outpatient oxygen therapy What raters look forFEV-1 less than 40 percent predicted; cor pulmonale or right ventricular hypertrophy; pulmonary hypertension; acute respiratory failure; outpatient oxygen therapy required |
DC 6604 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 349 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 6604 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 29.2%, denied 53.6% and sent 17.2% back for more work. One appeal can contain more than one ruling.
Method: Claim Raven read each ruling in every Board decision stored for 2021 to 2026 and counted it under this code when the decision named DC 6604 for a rating question. These results cover only rulings with an identified diagnostic code and may not represent rulings where no code was stated. Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out. These are outcomes within appeals, not first decisions, and not your personal odds.
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for COPD. The COPD condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to COPD appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 10,401 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on COPD, 2021 to 2026. The COPD condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: each ruling's outcome is read from the order in the Board's published decision and rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, leaving out dismissals and withdrawals. The data codes the condition the Board ruled on, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe COPD appeals generally rather than DC 6604 specifically. The DC 6604 section above counts this code's own rating appeals. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 6604?
Diagnostic code 6604 is the VA rating schedule entry for COPD, found in 38 CFR § 4.97. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 6604?
DC 6604 provides ratings of 10%, 30%, 60%, 100%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 6604 require?
The 100% rating for COPD requires: FEV-1 less than 40 percent of predicted value, or FEV-1/FVC less than 40 percent, or DLCO (SB) less than 40-percent predicted, or maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption (with cardiac or respiratory limitation), or cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or right ventricular hypertrophy, or pulmonary hypertension (shown by Echo or cardiac catheterization), or episode(s) of acute respiratory failure, or requires outpatient oxygen therapy.
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 6604?
In 344 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 6604 from 2021 to 2026, 28.5% were granted, 54.1% denied and 17.4% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
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